Description

We may think of the depths of the ocean as unseen, unfathomable, but there have been breakthroughs in technology that allow scientists access to the deep sea and that bring the deep sea directly to the public through live video feeds and data links. We can now map the seafloor to resolve features the size of a football and smaller using sound waves, while at the same time, sensors report to us the chemical nature of the surrounding environment. We will look at examples of robots and other assets that we use to explore the seafloor and at some of the discoveries that arise from our expanding capabilities. We will look at some of the blank places on the map and wonder what might be located there. And finally, we will explore the growing interest in mining the seabed and the potential for a Blue Economy in the deep ocean.

A cocktail reception will take place prior to the keynote lecture from 5:00 p.m.

Mon, Jan 16, 2017 [05:30 PM - 07:00 PM]

Cindy Lee Van Dover

Cindy Van Dover is a deep-sea ecologist and explorer, submarine pilot and author. Her studies have taken her to the seafloor in all regions of the world ocean, to depths in excess of 4000 m. Van Dover likes to work on the frontier of deep-sea science and thrives on using new technologies as they come on line to access the deep sea. She now spends much of her time thinking about ways to protect and preserve deep-sea ecosystems while enabling sustainable use of deep-sea resources. Dr. Van Dover’s current position is as a Distinguished Professor at Duke University.